The Ivy (Yadorigi), Illustration to Chapter 49 of the Tale of Genji (Genji monogatari)

The Ivy (Yadorigi), Illustration to Chapter 49 of the Tale of Genji

The Ivy (Yadorigi) is an illustration attributed to Tosa Mitsunobu, a prominent Japanese painter of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This work is part of a series illustrating the Tale of Genji, a classic of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century. The painting employs ink and color on paper, a traditional medium that highlights the delicate and refined aesthetic characteristic of the Tosa school. Tosa Mitsunobu, the founder of the Tosa school, was known for his mastery in yamato-e, a style that emphasizes Japanese themes and techniques. His work on the Tale of Genji reflects the cultural and artistic values of the Muromachi period, during which there was a resurgence of interest in classical Japanese literature and art. The illustration of Chapter 49, "The Ivy," contributes to the visual narrative of the Tale of Genji, offering insights into the courtly life and aesthetics of the Heian period.

The painting "The Ivy (Yadorigi), Illustration to Chapter 49 of the Tale of Genji" by Tosa Mitsunobu is an example of the Yamato-e style, characterized by its delicate use of ink and color on paper to depict scenes from classical Japanese literature. This artwork illustrates a scene from the "Tale of Genji," capturing the intricate court life and emotional depth of the narrative through refined brushwork and composition.